Ex-Leavitt staffer gets post in EPA

WASHINGTON — EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt is making his old chief of staff his new chief of staff.

Leavitt announced Friday that Rich McKeown, who was his chief of staff from 1999 to 2003 when Leavitt was governor of Utah, is becoming his chief of staff at the Environmental Protection Agency.

McKeown is succeeding Tom Gibson, who announced earlier this month he will step down on Aug. 7.

"Rich is an extraordinarily able and experienced leader," Leavitt said. "His management abilities, people skills and sound judgment will add leadership talent to an already seasoned team of agency professionals."

McKeown came to Washington with Leavitt and has served as senior counselor to him since November. He helped develop and direct Leavitt's 500-day plan of action as administrator.

Besides serving as Leavitt's chief of staff, McKeown also served on the Utah State Tax Commission from 1996 to 1999. Before his public service, he was an attorney in Salt Lake City.

"I am privileged to continue my service to Mike Leavitt and the remarkable people of EPA," McKeown said. "In this new role, I look forward to working together to advance the administrator's goal of accelerating environmental progress."